25 Jul Emergencies and First Aid
Have you considered how you would cope if you had an emergency in your home such as a gas leak or fire? Have you got enough travel cages for all your birds? We suggest you make sure travel cages are always accessible and not kept in the garage or back of a cupboard. You can also keep pillowcases in your bird room, if you have multiple birds, they can at least then be carried to safety in a hurry. In addition, you could put together an emergency grab bag with a container of food, bottles of water, and basic medical supplies – just in case.
First Aid
Birds mask illness well and by the time us humans notice they are unwell; they can be critically ill. Accidents also happen and having a few handy items on hand can help to save lives. We have compiled a basic list of first aid items and other essential equipment for emergency situations – which we recommend you keep to hand, near your parrot’s cage.
1 A substance to stop bleeding (cornflour will do) or proprietary brands available in all good pet shops.
2 A bird-safe disinfectant such as F10SC (Antiseptic Solution Concentrate) /or F10 RTU (Antiseptic Solution Ready to Use).
3 Cotton pads (not cotton wool) for cleaning wounds etc.
4 Tweezers and sharp scissors with rounded ends.
5 F10 Germicidal Barrier Ointment, Savlon Cream (the ONLY safe human medication) or Aloe Vera Gel, to put on sore spots/wounds.
6 A soft, dark, plain towel for restraining an injured bird. If cockatoo, a white towel.
7 Probiotics/white cell support/electrolytes, i.e. Avi-Stress.
8 Avian U.V. lamp
9 Pen light
10 Bandage material and micropore tape
11 Avian Nail Clippers
12 Eye dropper/syringe (no needle) which must be clean
13 Telephone numbers: vet/taxi/Birdline Helpline
14 Nebuliser (use a dilution of F10SC)*
15 Glucose
Do Not Bathe the Bird
A sick/distressed bird needs warmth, darkness and quiet.
Nebuliser Usage
*If using a nebuliser, either use ready to use F10 or dilute the F10SC (clear coloured, NOT GREEN) using the following ration: 1ml F10SC – 250ml sterile (or boiled and cooled) water. Put the bird in a covered carrier or covered cage. Point the nebuliser’s hose through the bars or just outside, allow machine to operate for at least 40 minutes, or as long as necessary, i.e. until breathing stabilises. N.B. This is a measure to stabilise the bird. A vet must be contacted in an emergency.
When travelling a sick / injured bird
Place the bird in the carrier, cover with a dark towel (unless a cockatoo, which should have a plain white towel). Read our article on Transporting Parrots for more information.